The Impact of the Corona Pandemic on European Jazz Festivals

Bachelorarbeit - Susanne Buchheim, Wintersemester 2021/2022

The event industry has been hit hard by the corona pandemic. This has been met with a creative approach by the industry to making events happen despite numerous new regulations for large gatherings. Jazz Festivals play an essential role in the European musical landscape, tourism, and the economic well-being of the hosting region. This bachelor thesis will focus on the impact of the pandemic on the various jazz festivals in Europe and how they met these challenges. It spotlights the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Umbria Jazz in Italy. The different approaches are compared and discussed, taking into account the practicability, economic impact, and visitor- and public reception, followed by an outlook on how this affects future events.